Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Good, solid car. - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By DavidL - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is totally satisfactory, and pleasant to drive. Good power, good looks.

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  Affordable Downgrade - 2004 Ford Focus
  By MR.B - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I would still recommend the Ford Taurus as a well built, safe car, but the Focus is a well built smaller more affordable car. You need to get the top model in each style to get the larger engine (2.3) which makes all the difference. The standard sound system with MP3/CD has great sound. A moonroof is great but the sport package is not needed.

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  Really miss the 4 doors. - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By blnewt - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Almost from the day we bought it we regretted not putting a bit extra aside for the 4 Door Explorer. Needless to say, we just traded our Sport in for a 2004 Explorer XLS, and are very happy w/ the decision, just so much more vehicle for the money.

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  My Second Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Florencio - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought a red XLT in June of 2001, and I loved it so much, that I traded it in for a new 2004 black Limited with the black leather interior and moonroof. I only wish I could have purchased the heated seats, maybe next time!

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  Ford 4x4 F-150 Extended Cab - 2002 Ford F-150
  By paul hilton - May 8 - 8:45 pm

  This truck gets 13-15 mpg empty. If you put a 21 foot camper behind it, it loses gas mileage and power. It struggles with a heavy load. but the quality is great! Need more power and much better mpg. The remote key should be able to unlock the doors when the truck is running.

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  Still Rolling - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By StillRolling - May 8 - 5:11 pm

  Van has 271,000 miles on it. Still drives well, extremely reliable. Only minor repairs. Nothing exciting about the design, but very practical with lots of storage. Gas milage is very good, considering it is a box.

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  Great Value - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By 95SHO - May 7 - 9:34 pm

  The car has been very reliable with only minor troubles since I bought it cam sensor, starter and heater door control. Parts are not hard to find if you use the internet for your searches. Some dealers still have plenty of parts. The Yamaha engine is fantastic, simply the best in any vehicle Ive had to date. Keep up with the maintenance and the car will last a long time.

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  126,000 miles still 30 mpg & a Great Car - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By revrok - May 7 - 9:11 pm

  I am currently at 126,000 miles and loving my 2007 Escape Limited Hybrid. Getting 30 mpg in all around driving and have had very few problems with the vehicle. I did have the cooling fan issue mentioned at 110,000 just out of warranty, but otherwise I am very happy. My dealer service department also crows about the reliability as they are servicing taxis at over 400,000 miles!

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  SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By abzotech - May 7 - 4:03 pm

  Had a problem with noise comming from the transmission. Took at about 6 trips to a Ford mechanics to 3 different dealerships, and two calls to Ford directly to finally figure out what the problem is.

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  Thunderbird - Great Idea, Poor Ford Planning - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By frank - May 7 - 3:59 pm

  I love my Thunderbird. The exterior design is a eye stopper and its fun to drive, both with the hard top and the top down. Great performance holds the road well. Too bad Ford was cheap on the options for the price they ask. The Corvette offers a lot more options for the price. If Ford really wants to sell high end cars they need to add quality style and options on the car.